Multiple burglaries using keyless entry with keypad code

[Mach1E]

I don't understand this thread. Instead of anyone responding to the OP's concerns and helping them out, everyone seems intent on bashing their premise.

Just the sake of argument, assume that someone has the factory code. Perhaps someone had access to the code card. Perhaps someone had access to the BCM (which has the code printed on it.) Maybe the OP is the second owner of the car. Who knows?!

We ARE helping the OP by keeping them from spending unnecessary money.

As stated, you can’t reset the factory code. So trying to fix that problem is……problematic.

He’s chasing the wrong rabbit.

If it’s the more likely scenario that he either accidentally left it unlocked, or the thieves are using a repeater…… there are things he can do to protect himself.

Try the easy fixes to the more likely problems before chasing the very difficult fix for the least likely problem.

Is it theoretically possible that someone from the dealership stole the factory code, tracked him down and then made a mess of the car multiple times to steal nothing? I guess.

Or theoretically possible someone spent 8 hours trying random codes only to get nothing in return? Uhhh…. Sure.

Maybe set up a video camera to catch them in the act. Be sure to post the video here. I wouldn’t mind being wrong. I just still thing it’s highly unlikely (but not impossible).

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[garyd9]

We ARE helping the OP by keeping them from spending unnecessary money.

As stated, you can’t reset the factory code. So trying to fix that problem is……problematic.

He’s chasing the wrong rabbit.

If it’s the more likely scenario that he either accidentally left it unlocked, or the thieves are using a repeater…… there are things he can do to protect himself.

You can't reset the code, but you can disable it entirely.

 

[Mach1E]

You can't reset the code, but you can disable it entirely.

Not without spending $$$$.

I thought we were being nice trying to save the OP $.

It would be even more frustrating to spend that money, go through all that hassle……. And your car still gets broken into because they aren’t using the keypad.

Keypads have been on cars for decades and I’ve never heard of thieves guessing the code to get in.

 

[garyd9]

Not without spending $$$$.

I thought we were being nice trying to save the OP $.

It would be even more frustrating to spend that money, go through all that hassle……. And your car still gets broken into because they aren’t using the keypad.

Keypads have been on cars for decades and I’ve never heard of thieves guessing the code to get in.

I have heard of people having their car entered by ex-spouses, etc, who knew the master code. (Too many people learn the master code and use that instead of creating personal codes.)

While I agree we should offer alternatives to the OP, I also think that spending 3 pages arguing with them about it isn't worthwhile. Maybe they actually know what they're talking about?

 

[Jeff-NoVA]

The more of this thread I've read, the more I think OP should mount a trail cam somewhere hidden (hope that it's not stolen as well) and see what's happening.

As nothing of value is being taken and somebody left a random jacket behind, somebody using your Mach E as a place to sleep makes the most sense.

If you can capture it on video, I'd raise hell with building management about why they aren't preventing the unhoused from entering the resident garage, as that is simply unacceptable. And, you can figure out how they are getting access to your car. But I think it unlikely some poor soul who can't find a place to sleep also brute forced your keypad; maybe he was watching from your neighbor's car when you entered the code.

 

[kltye]

I don't understand this thread. Instead of anyone responding to the OP's concerns and helping them out, everyone seems intent on bashing their premise.

Just the sake of argument, assume that someone has the factory code. Perhaps someone had access to the code card. Perhaps someone had access to the BCM (which has the code printed on it.) Maybe the OP is the second owner of the car. Who knows?!

Because their premise is not (yet) backed with any proof, only conjecture. Barking up the wrong tree to solve the problem isn't productive. Set up a trail cam like someone said and then act on that evidence.

 

[RickMachE]

The keypad can be disconnected. The wiring is inside the door.

 

[ChehRob]

Our condo has a fairly primitive camera system in the three parking levels. I consider this a necessity. It has helped confirm what has happened, and which cars were entered over the years.

 

[azerik]

Looks like the keypad and button are all one 'piece' so if you do manage to unplug it you won't have a working door button either.

7 digit code is a better idea. That would use the factory code on the other side of the card you're missing, which is the same 5 digit plus 2 more. However if someone has that card they have the 7 digit factory code as well.

 

[garyd9]

Looks like the keypad and button are all one 'piece' so if you do manage to unplug it you won't have a working door button either.
...
However if someone has that card they have the 7 digit factory code as well.

So just disable the keypad. Get an OBDII dongle from amazon for $20 (wired) or a slightly more expensive wireless one, download forscan and use the free trial. Then edit the BCM at 726-16-03 to disable the keypad.

 

[BARRIDALE]

What makes you think that the perpetrator knows your factory code perhaps they have seen your key and your personal code maybe there is one of those crazy little cameras that is watching you code in. Have you tried changing your personal code and leaving something interesting but of no value on the front seat

 

[BARRIDALE]

Are you sure it isn’t a friend or acquaintance messing with you I remember getting a Honda key cut off a girlfriend serial number and because she lives in a big high-rise periodically in the middle of the night moving her car, a few card lengths away from where she originally parked it. Of course, this was before Smart keys.

 

[Art]

Car: Mach-E AWD Premium Extended Range (2023)

I had my car opened and searched for valuables twice within a single week without any damage done to it, living in an apartment complex with an underground parking.
The culprit definitely knows my factory code which I know I can't change or delete. It's also not possible to disable the keypad completely. Contacted Ford's customer support and was told something like: "if they guessed your factory code, the joke is on you - please contact the police because you won't hear anything else from our end".

This keypad only has 5 buttons, so there is only 3125 unique combinations which is insane given that you can make 7 attempts with just a fixed 1-minute lockdown interval - you only need about 8 hours to go through ALL the potential combinations with the car not notifying the owner about scanning attempts, having additional personal codes will greatly cut down the time needed to guess one of the codes.

That's why I was wondering if anyone tried physically disconnecting/removing the keypad at maybe a Ford's service center? Or would it be possible for Mach-E owners to get Ford to address the issues with the keypad?

You are right that a thief would not try to enter keycodes. It would take to long, so you have to look elsewhere.
1. Is your fob within range of your car?
2. Did you leave your master key card in your car while getting it maintained?
I'm not sure that if you change the keycode from the factory setting to a personal setting would negate the factory code, but it's worth a try.
How did you even know if someone was in your car if nothing was taken?

 

[njb]

For this type of frequency it almost makes me think it's someone that lives in your building. If they are using your keypad to enter then they just were lucky (either saw prominent prints and that made the guessing easier or just tried a few because it was there and were really lucky). The frequency of the subsequent searches is what makes me think its someone that lives near. Or someone you know????

Either way, keypad or not, I would look into getting a second party alarm. So when they do get in your car it goes off. It doesn't have to be attached to your car in any way, just hidden enough and goes off when the door opens or something is touched and is LOUD. Hopefully should scare them off.

 

[HuntingPudel]

The factory code is stored in the BCM. Every BCM has the factory code printed on a label that is stuck to the BCM. While the code cannot be changed, the BCM can be changed, and in doing so, the factory code can be changed. This is the expensive route. It’s much cheaper to use FORscan to either disable the keypad or change to the non-US 7-digit code length. ??

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